Council approves tax exemptions

Saanich Police’s new leasehold at 57 Cadillac Ave. was among the 56 properties approved for property tax exemption at Saanich council on Monday.

Saanich Police has relocated a significant chunk of its offices at 760 Vernon Ave., including the community engagement division and some of its detectives.

The exemption is good from 2017 to 2023 to match the duration of the initial lease.

The majority of property tax exemptions are for 2017 through to 2019, and apply to non-profit community groups.

That includes a first-time exemption for the lands which constitute the former Prospect Lake golf course, at 4633 Prospect Lake Rd. It is now used by the Power to Be society. Power to Be offers “adventure therapy” to help youth, and their families, overcome a disability or barrier to access nature.

One that stood out is BC Hydro’s tax exemption for 4400 West Saanich Rd., where the exemption supports a natural area preservation.